The Distance Hiker Episode 33 - Securing the future of our long distance Trails with Julian Gray

Episode 40 of Humans of the Trail with Olie Wicks

In this episode of Humans of the Trail, we sit down with Andrew Terrell, a man who has an incredible story of self-discovery. Andrew walked from the Apennine Mountains in Southern Italy to Arctic Norway, a journey that took him over 7000 miles and two years. Along the way, Andrew faced many challenges, but he also learned a lot about himself. He learned to be independent, to trust his instincts, and to appreciate the simple things in life. He also made some lifelong friends and memories. Andrew's story is an inspiration to us all. It is a reminder that we are capable of anything we set our minds to, and that the journey is often more important than the destination. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Andrew's story. It is a story of adventure, self-discovery, and hope. Listen to Episode 39 of Humans of the Trail today!

This week on Humans of the Trail I have Ali Pretty on the Podcast. I first learned about Ali through a friend of the Podcast Martyn Howe from Episode 1. Beach of Dreams is a visual art journey, community, storytelling and digital art project inspired by the challenges faced by communities who live on our coastlines. I was really keen to learn more about Ali and her journey to creating Beach of Dreams and also really excited to get involved in documenting it come August 2023. I love this Episode as a story of an individual inspired by nature, the outdoors, and art, combining these passions to create something truly magical.

In this episode of Humans of the Trail, we talk to Peter Elia, a freelance travel writer who specializes in long-distance walks. Peter has walked some of the lesser-known long-distance trails in the world, and he shares his experiences with us. We talk about why Peter enjoys lesser-known routes, how he slowly quit his job to become a freelance travel writer, and some really valuable insights into how you can do the same. This is a value-packed, fun episode, and Peter came along with a bunch of fantastic ideas about the message he wanted to share, so I think you're going to enjoy it. Here are some of the highlights of the episode: Peter talks about why he enjoys lesser-known long-distance trails. He shares some of his experiences walking these trails. Peter talks about how he slowly quit his job to become a freelance travel writer. He shares some really valuable insights into how you can do the same. If you're interested in long-distance hiking, travel writing, or just want to hear a great story, then you'll want to check out this episode of Humans of the Trail. Thanks for listening!

I'm a total sucker for discovering new brands and businesses in our outdoor space. So when I learned Highlander, an events business now has a Highlander Adventure in the Lake District I had to find out more about the brand and the people behind it. Thankfully Ariana, the Global Head of Communications at Highlander was happy to jump on the other end of a microphone and answer my questions. Coming away from the episode I was converted in all honesty. There are very few dedicated multi-day hiking events here in the UK and I feel Highlander is onto something really special. So if learning about new and interesting ways to get out on the trail sounds like your cup of tea, this podcast is worth a listen. Enjoy!

Dave Thomas started his career on the back of his love of fitness as he launched a personal training business, which spiraled into running a popular London gym chain called The Foundry. But it was Daves's love of the outdoors, and desire to step away from, his words repeatedly 'counting to 10', for his clients that eventually led to a life living in a 400-acre property on the Dales Way trail.  Yet, this is not the crux of our story. It's Daves's battle with multiple head injuries, depression, and experiencing suicidal thoughts that led to his decision to walk the length of Britain, supported by his Wife and Daughter that ultimately saved him and shaped a new perspective.  I hope you enjoy this sincere and honest podcast with Dave, as we unpack his story.

Where do I start... Barefoot Backpacker unpacks so much in this episode, from his backstory to traveling to the lesser known destinations around the globe, traveling as somebody who identifies as nonbinary and asexual, to of course long distance trails. This is a fantastic episode with a lot going on which I hope you enjoy listening to as much as I enjoyed the conversation.

Julian is in my opinion an unsung hero of Trails, with his work dedicated to the betterment of our Trail networks. As the Board Member and Vice Chair of the World Trails Network, Chair of National Trails, and Director of the South West Coast Path Association he is a busy man and a fountain of Trail knowledge.  Julian humbled me with his clarity and level of knowledge on managing and preserving our trails and had a clear vision of a world made better by having access to trails.  I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Julian and came away from the conversation all the wiser on the sheer complexity of challenges faced by Trail organizations and the work they do. If you believe in the power of trails to shape communities, offer economic benefits, and make you feel great, then you will enjoy this one. 

Join Davina Farrer in her journey of exploration and liberation as she shares stories from her backpacking trip around the world and her empowering hike on the South West Coast Path. Discover how Davina's intentional work choices have led to a life of time freedom and learn how you too can break free from the 9-5 grind and live a life of adventure and fulfillment.  If you dream of more hiking - less work, believe its possible with this empowering episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast.

In this week's episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast, we spoke with Emma, a coast walker who blogs about her journey on her site. Emma is currently on a journey to walk around the coast of the United Kingdom, with the goal of improving her mental health. During the conversation, Emma shared with us the various reasons why she decided to take on this challenge, including her belief that walking is great for mental health and the desire to experience the beauty of the UK's coastlines. One of the things that stood out to me was how open and honest emma was when when it came to sharing the highs and lows of her walk, plans for the future and the Marge Simpson tattoo on her leg...  Emma also talked about the beautiful interactions she's had with other people who are also taking on the challenge. Her walk is not just about the physical journey, but also the human connections she's made along the way. This is a super fun episode, with some entertaining blunders and strange diversions. I'm sure you will enjoy it as a break from the usual Distance Hiker programming and I would love to hear your thoughts. Matthew x  Sponsors!🥁🥁 This episode of the Distance Hiker Podcast is also supported by the Distance Hiker Store. The Distance Hiker Store offers high quality, minimalist trail inspired prints that are perfect for brightening up any office space, hallway, or lounge. 5% of the proceeds from these prints go towards the maintenance of the trails related to the specific print. If you're looking to add a touch of the outdoors to your home or office, be sure to check out the Distance Hiker Store and support the trails at the same time!